TUTORIAL: PAPERCUT PATTERNS 101 (THE HEART OF PAPERCUTS; ELSA MORA)

This tut is excellent if you have been interested in this paper art...any questions you might have are clearly answered.  One bit of warning, this stuff is highly addictive.

TUTORIAL: RUFFLED BOOKMARK/WRAP (SKIP TO MY LOU; SARA)

Here's a cutie...and the sky is the limit when it comes to what you use to ruffle (don't overlook ribbon).  You think there's a good chance that more than a few of these will end up as teacher's Christmas gifts?

TUTORIAL: QUILTING THREADS 101 (QUILTING.ABOUT; JANET WICKELL)

If you think the various types of stamping inks is confusing, the options available in threads used in quilting thread is even more so.  Click here to get the low-down.

TUTORIAL: EMBROIDERED NOTE CARDS (DESIGN*SPONGE; ANNE WEIL)

No question here...this is what you use when you want to send the very best.  The time you spend stitching these cards will be time well spent and very much appreciated.

FREE DOWNLOAD: FRAMED SAYING ( BRASSY APPLE; MEGAN)

You'll have to admit, this  saying is a good one to have either hanging or sitting around.

TUTORIAL: DOILY DREAM CATCHER (ETSY; JILL)

Oh, boy...you're going to be plowing through every thrift shop and yard sale looking for vintage doilies after you see these fantastic dream catchers. The finished results are beyond gorgeous. Click TUTORIAL (above) to see them.

FREE DOWNLOADS: KITTY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TAGS (FREE PRETTY THINGS FOR YOU; KEREN)

Cat lovers will love these tags...and who doesn't know a cat lover?  Print some and stick them in your stash so they'll be ready when needed.

RECYCLE: DECORATED GLASS JARS (DOTTIE ANGEL; TIF)

No sense in buying new storage/organizing stuff when you already have the makings for that stuff.  This stuff is even better than easy, peasy...and costs less too!

FREE DOWNLOADS:; BACKGROUND PAPERS/HALLOWEEN SAYINGS (CRAFTING IRELAND)

You're bound to find some papers you like here, and the Halloween sayings will be handy too.

TUTORIAL: FABRIC 'WALLPAPER' (HOW ABOUT ORANGE; JESSICA JONES)

Tired of that boring wall or door or headboard?  Here's the solution.  Natural fabrics (cotton, especially) are suggested.  Might be a good idea to wash, dry and press the fabric before pasting it to the surface.

VIDEO: DOUBLE BOW (JAK HEATH)

Wanna know the best thing about this bow making technique...the only tools you need are your fingers.  How neat is that?

TUTORIAL: PUNCHED FLOWERS (CREATIVITY BUG; SUE C.)

Here's a new spin on the tried-and-true punched flower technique...and the results are terrific!  A click here will get you the info.

LEFTOVERS: PAINTED FABRIC BEADS (FAVE CRAFTS; HILARY FRYE)

We've all done paper beads, so now it's time to do painted fabric beads...easy as paper, just as colorful, and they offer endless options.   Don't suppose I have to tell you they're a great way to use up that stash of fabric bits and pieces.

TUTORIAL/VIDEO: HALLOWEEN WREATH (PINK BY DESIGN)

Time to start thinking about the creation you'll have on your front door to welcome the ghosts and goblins. Course there's no reason you can't display this beauty immediately...

VIDEO: MINI PIZZA NUGGET BOX (CRAFTIBLOG)

How about filling this neat little box for those 'treaters?'  Have an idea they'll be thrilled to pieces...

TUTORIALS: EARRINGS (MARTHA STEWART)

Leave it to Martha to come  up with these terrific earrings...a slug of them!

TUTORIAL: DIY DECORATIVE BRADS (ZAKKA LIFE; JESSICA OKUI)

Easy, inexpensive, speedy, and exactly the size and color you want...wahoo!  Click here to get the nitty gritty.

TUTORIAL: AUTUMN LUNCH BAG TREES (MATSUTAKE BLOG; KATIE)

Wait til you see what can happen to the mundane lunch bag...incredible!  Have an idea you'll be whipping up a few of these in the next couple of weeks.

TUTORIAL/FREE DOWNLOADS: DRESSY CATS (MADE BY JOEL)

Get ready to give out with a long OOOH when you click this link.  Too cute for words, too, too precious and adorable will kind of describe what you'll see.

FREE DOWNLOADS: SERENITY LABELS (CREATIVITY PROMPT; AVITAL)

Click here to go to Creative Prompt to download the labels.  Click the link there to go to Alexander's tut for the mini album using the labels.  Good stuff, anyway you look at it,

LEFTOVERS: 3D PAPER STAR WREATH (LITTLE BIRDIE SECRETS)

If you have a stack of leftover Christmas papers, you're set to go with this  wreath.  No leftovers?  Not to worry...there's always some waiting for you at the crafts store.

TUTORIAL/FREE DOWNLOADS: TRICK OR TREAT BANNER (ALDERBERRY HILL; SARAH GILL)

Can you think of a better banner than this one for Spooky Night?  Start printing and cutting now so you'll be all set when the night arrives.

LEFTOVERS: YO-YO BRACELET (ALWAYS EXPECT MOORE; CAROLINA MOORE)

Here's a great way to use those bitty bits of fabric leftovers.  The skies the limit when it comes to selecting colors and patterns.  Easy as can be and cheapo to the max.

TUTORIALS: COLORED PENCIL JEWELRY (DESIGN MOM; GABRIELLE BLAIR)

Great for  you and great for the kids...think that's a double winner.  Click here to see and learn,

TUTORIAL: RIBBON FLOWER (V AND COMPANY; WENDY)

Here's a gorgeous flower you can use as an embellishment (narrow ribbon), broach (medium ribbon),  hair ornament (narrow or medium ribbon), or as home decor (wide ribbon).  Regardless of the use, it'll be noticed and admired.

ORGANIZATION/STORAGE: EXTENDING BOOKCASE SHELVES (PAPER CASTLE; HEATHER PERREAUX)

I think all of us are 'blessed' with book cases that have super deep shelves...great for books, but not so great for storing crafting supplies.  Check out this solution; it just might be exactly what the doctor order.

RECYCLE: SPRAY PAINTED LAMP AND SHADE (STAY AT HOME ARTIST; KACEY)

Never underestimate the cleverness of a crafter!  This lamp had certainly seen better days, but thanks to Kacey, it now has a new look (and life).

TUTORIAL: SUPER SPEEDY FELTED BALLS (MEGA CRAFTY)

I kid you not...you won't believe how quickly and easily these felted balls are created.  This technique rates a Beyond Clever award.

CHALLENGE/FREE DOWNLOADS: GAME DAY CHALLENGE (PAPER TRADERS ART BLOG)

OK sport fans, time to honor your sport passion.  Click here for the rules and regs, AND some super duper downloads of sport images.  Enjoy!

TUTORIAL: COPPER NECKLACE WITH PATINA (BEADING ARTS; CINDY LAVIN)

This is one clever way to create one super necklace...easy too.  Don't you just love cleverness?

TUTORIAL: GILDED PUMPKINS (MADIGAN MADE)

The lowly pumpkin never, ever looked so good...or so stylish.  Just wait til you see them.

TUTORIAL: HALLOWEEN GLASS JAR LUMINARIES (GLEEFUL THINGS; JULIE)

Start collecting those glass jars now so you'll have plenty on hand to create these fun luminaries.  Click here  to get all the needed info.

FREE DOWNLOADS: ARTICULATED PAPER DOLL (MY OWL BARN; JO JAMES)

Doll lovers are in for a huge treat when they click here...and even those who don't think of themselves as doll lovers will be enthralled with this darling.

TUTORIAL: STENCILED PLANK HEADBOARD (SIMPLY SJOSTEDT; HEATHER)

This headboard is fantastic.  Super easy to create and super, super inexpensive.  Great way to spend an afternoon!

TUTORIAL: CROCHETED BABY CLOCHE (AESTHETIC NEST; ANNELIESE)

If this isn't the cutest fashion statement for a little gal, I don't know what would be.  Absolutely perfect for her....

TUTORIAL: LENTICULAR POP-UP CARD (EXTREME CARDS AND PAPER CRAFTING; CAROL)

Don't need to tell you this tut is beyond excellent...Carol has a habit of producing exceptional tuts. This card is an eye-catcher;  you're bound to get a lots of oohs and aahs..

TUTORIAL: HOW TO PAINT A TREE MURAL (JUST WHAT I SQUEEZE IN; TOMIANNIE)

OK, 'out of the box ' time...no excuses.  Don't want a tree, select your own pleasure.  Just do it (didn't someone else say that...?).

TUTORIAL: DOUBLE SIDED CARD AND ENVY POUCH (CUTE AND SOME; AUDREY FREIX)

Clever to the max.  The pictures show each and every step, so creating them is a piece of cake.

TUTORIAL: LATCH HOOK T-SHIRT RUG (XOELLE; LAURA POUZEK)

This is not a quickie project; read all the instructions and comments before deciding if you do want to create one of these super special rugs.  I will assure  you that if you do decide that you are willing to invest the necessary time, you will be overjoyed with the results.

TUTORIAL: FAUX BIRCH BARK BOX WITH MOSS (KNIT N KABODDLE; KLM)

Think  you'll be glad to see the supplies this crackle technique uses...don't you love it when you don't have to buy more stuff to create stuff?

FREE DOWNLOAD: HALLOWEEN SUBWAY ART (EIGHTEEN 25; JAMIE)

Time to start collecting Halloween stuff...and this bit of Subway Art is a good place to start.  Select the color and print to your heart's content

FREE DOWNLOADS: CHRISTMAS WRAPPINGS AND GINGERBREAD RECIPE (GO MAKE ME; CATE HOLST)

Not only do you get a recipe for yummy gingebread cookeis, you also get a download for a band for the gift box.  Woo...not too shabby!  Click here

TUTORIAL: FAUX ALEXANDER MCQUEEN CLUTCH (MAKE ME SPARKLY; SHELBY)

Talk about high on the hog!  This is one stunning, over the top beauty.  Takes a little bit of time to create, but not too much.  Have an idea you'll be the only one on the block with one (and that's always a huge plus).

TUTORIAL: WOODEN SORTING DOLLS (GLUE STICKS; BRANDY)

If you have little ones on your gift list, here's a toy that is a guaranteed child-pleaser.  Easy, quick, cheapo, and fun to the max...wahoo!

TUTORIALS/FREE DOWNLOADS: FABRIC FEATHERS (100 LAYER CAKE)

What better than feathers created from fabric?  Just pick the color and size, and away you go.

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATES: SHRINK PLASTIC AND BEADS NECKLACE (FAV CRAFTS; HEIDE BORCHERS

Two ways this terrific necklace can be put to good use: gift for that darling girl of yours; gift for the teacher of that darling girl of yours. Either way, it's a winner!

TUTORIAL: COFFEE FLITER FLOWERS (A GYSPY ANGEL; KIM B)

It seems that people just keep coming up with new ways to create filter-flowers...each technique is slightly different, but they all produce terrific results.  You won't be disappointed if you give this one  a twirl.

FREE DOWNLOADS: NOTE CARD AND ENVELOPE (THE TOYMAKER; MARTHA SCOTT WATERS)As

As always, Martha (AKA The Toymaker) has provided some outstanding downloads for us.  Having this cheerful greeting and the matching envelope in your stash will be so handy.

FREE DOWNLOADS: STATIONERY AND THANK YOU CARD (PIZZAZZERIE; COURTNEY)

Can't get a better deal than free...no way, no how!

RECYCLE: VINTAGE BOOK TRAVEL TECH ORGANIZER (DESIGN*ORANGE; GRACE BONNEY)

If keeping track of cords, adaptors, and chargers required for all that tech stuff we now haul whenever we leave home has you in a snit, this tut is going to put one huge smile on your face.  Good as it gets...and handy to boot.

FREE DOWNLOAD: COOKIE BOX (DON'T EAT THE PASTE; SHALA KERRIGAN)

Shala has another great box for us.  This one is perfect for four Oreos...or any other yummie that fits.

STORAGE/ORGANIZATION: PLASTIC SHOPPING BAGS (POLKADOT PINEAPPLE; ARLETTE)

Now this is the practical solution to those bags of bags we all have hanging hither and yon.  Clever, clever,clever!

RECYCLE: WOVEN RAG RUGS (CRAFT PASSION)

Got a stack of gringy, well-worn sheets?  It's rug making time!  You won't need an expensive loom to create these beauties, in fact, you get to recycle that cardboard box you were ready to chuck. 

RECYCLE: PLASTIC CONTAINER SUN CATCHER (ZAKKA LIFE; JUESSICA OKUI)

No more chucking out those plastic containers...or plastic lids.  Creating these is fun for any age.  Either blinged or plain, they're an easy way to add jazz to windows.

IN MEMORY...

TUTORIAL: WOVEN BRACELET AND NECKLACE (GREEN EYED MONSTER; ASH AND KIMMY)

This jewerly is neat...and fun.  Easy to make, and the price is low, low, low.  How much better can it get?

TUTORIALS: GARDEN IN A JAR (MARTHA STEWART)

Two ways to think of these creations...great for the kids to do; unique home decor.  You decide.

TUTORIAL: PLASTIC PUMPKIN VASE (BIC MARKIT)

Now here's a vase that's perfect for fall folliage!  Teeny for individual place settings, medium for center pieces and BIG for the porch.

TUTORIAL: MULTIPLE-STRAND BRACELET (BHG; LINDA AUGSBURG)

Ever wonder how to create this type of bracelet?  The wondering is over.  Linda shows you how easy it really is...enjoy!

FREE DOWNLOADS: 2012 CALENDARS (WIN CALENDAR)

Here's some more 2012 calendars...lots of options offered here.

TUTORIALS: RIC-RAC ROSES (PIN TANGLE; SHARON B)

Talk about a winner!  Sharon has included TWO tuts here for these darling roses.  Easy as can be, and speedy to boot.  One tip...cotton ric-rac is recommended.

RECYCLE: CLIP-ON EARRINGS (RUFFLES AND STUFF; DISNEY)

This ought to keep you busy for a bit...a BIG bit!  That does not include the necessary trips to yard sales and thrift shops...

VIDEO: 6 x 6 PAPER TREAT PURSE (FRENCHIE STAMPS; FRENCH)

This vid is packed with tips and tricks that show the easy way to create this darling treat purse from one sheet of 6 x 6 paper.  It's a real cutie and would be a great holder for table favors.

RECYCLE: PATTERN TISSUE TREE (THE COUNTRY CHIC COTTAGE; ANGIE)

Dig out those clothing patterns that no longer suit your purposes, and start cutting.  The end result is one fancy-dancy tree that everyone will ooh and aah over (don't you love that?).

DIY: JEWELRY FINDINGS (JEWERLY MAKING DAILY; TAMMY JONES)

Good stuff to know.  Just never know when you're going to need these...just never know.

TUTORIAL: SALT SHAKER BUTTON BOUQUETS (JAMIE LANE DESIGNS; JAMIE LANE)

These little darlings are darling.  And...provide another great reason to hit yard sales and thrift shops.
BTW: Don't fret if the oldies don't have tops.

TUTORIAL: HAND BEADED MEMORY BOX (BEADLUST; ROBIN)

If you've been searching for the perfect gift for that special someone on your list, give some thought to this box. It would be a true gift of love and greatly appreciated.  This is not a speedy creation by any standards,  but the finished results are worth every second spent stitching those beads.

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATES: OAK LEAVES AND YARN WREATH (BUGS AND SANDFISHES; LAURA 'LUPIN' HOWARD)

Fall is in the air...even though it's still hot and humid in a lot of the country.  This wreath is a good way to slide into the season...easy, cheapo and quick.  All the good stuff.

TUTORIAL: CHANGING MOUSE SPEED, LOOK AND BEHAVIOR (TERRAPIN NETWORKS; TIM GILLEN)

Here's what you do to convince that mouse that you're not pleased with the ways things are being done.

TUTORIAL: BOMBAY INDIA INK TAGS (CRESCENDO; JENNY DOH)

I love this ink...do yourself a favor and give it a try.  Jenny's tut shows one way this versatile ink can be used.

TUTORIAL: MASS PRODUCTION TIPS AND TRICKS (STAR LIT STUDIO; CINDY)

Having to create a slug of anything can be a pain...Cindy pulled it off as plainless as could be.  Click here to see what she did.

TUTORIAL: DANCING BALLERINA TOY (ZAKKA LIFE; JESSICA OKUI)

I have an idea this 'toy' will delight everyone between the ages of 2 and 102,  Way too cute for words.  You'll dance for joy when you see it...

FREE DOWNLOADS: HALLOWEEN TREAT BOXES (WE LOVE TO ILLUSTRATE)

Talk about a bonanza...you won't believe the choices found here.  Too good to be true.  Crank up that printer and go for it.

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATES: HAUNTED HOUSE (JUST SOMETHING I MADE; CATHE HOLDEN)

Bet you never thought a haunted house could be classy...then there's this one.  String 'em or set them on a shelf.  Either way, they'll add upscale bling to Scary Night. 

FREE DOWNLOADS: BACKGROUND PAPERS (ART AND STUFF; KRISTIN DUDISH

You'll like these beauties, and you'll find all sorts of ways to use them.  Thanks, Kristin!

TUTORIAL: TEMPLATES FOR NESTIES AND PUNCHES (MEL STAMPZ. MEL M. M. MCCARTHY

If you are into saving time and frustration, clear templates for all that stuff that punches and cuts is the way to go.  Mel shows several ways to make and use them...enjoy all the time you'll be saving.

LABOR DAY GREETINGS...

RECYCLE: BELT BUCKLE FRAMES (MARTHA STEWART)

I'll tell ya, clever people have GOT to stop coming up with reasons for us to hit yard sales and thrift stores,  There is the chance that you might find a buckle or two in your closet, but shopping in your closet can be a bit boring. Wherever you find them, you'll have a ton of fun creating these frames.

FREE DOWNLOAD: 2012 CALENDAR (INCOMPETECH)

Calendar time!  I'll be posting several calendar links so you might want to start a folder to chuck them into til you decide which one(s) you prefer.  This one offers a size option for the calendar, and it also offers multi-year options.  BTW: Don't pay any attention to the pictured calendar; type in the year you want at the bottom of the graphic to the left of the pictured calendar.

RECYCLE: BOTTLE CAP ALBUM (SCRAPBOOK CRAZY

What a darling idea!  Perfect little gift for those times when the perfect little gift is needed.  Fun all the way around.

RECYCLE: FELTED MONOGRAM BOTTLE COVER (SPOTTED CANARY; STUDIO PINK)

Remarkable what you can do with an ancient sweater that's been tortured in the machine and dryer.  These just might be the perfect gift for your nears and dears...just might be!

FREE DOWNLOAD: GLITTERED CLIP ART CARD (MARTHA STEWART)

N o reason we can't use glitter with clip art..no reason at all.  It's more than handy having this card in your stash to print, glitter, fold and give.  Quick as a wink.

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE: SLEEPING BEAUTY DOLL

If you have a litle girl on your gift list, I have an idea she'd love this dolly.  Easy to make and a pleasure to give.  Smiles all around.

TUTORIAL: TISSUE KNIT NECKLACE (FAVE CRAFTS; HILARY FRYE)

OK, guys and gals...time to jump out of that box and do something waaaay out of your comfort zone.  It's a lot easier than you think, and the results are to dye for (sorry...couldn't resist).  Click here to get the facts.

TUTORIAL: DESKTOP SCREEN SAVER (1ST FLOOR FLAT FREEBIES; SUSIE JEFFERSON)

This computer ditz loves it when a computer smartie takes pity on me and leads me by the hand though a procedure.  Susie is one of those smarties...and her hand never left mine.  Click here to see how and why.

TUTORIAL: SPRITZ AND SMOOSH BACKGROUND (CLEARSNAP; JEAN OKIMOTO)

Spritz and Smoosh probably isn't the best title for this technique...I'll let you come up with a better one.  What you will like is the results.  Using an acrylic block as the applicator is another reason that those clear beauties belong in your stash (even if you are a died-in-the-wool wood mounted stamper).

FREE DIGI: HAPPY BIRTHDAY FLOWER (INSPIRED AND UNSCRIPTED; MARIA BELL)

The gift Maria has here will delight you, and it'll delight the lucky person who receives your card too.  Delightful for all concerned...

RECYCLE: WATER BOTTLE STORAGE TURNTABLE (FAVE CRAFTS; COLLEEN WEIKEL)

Finding ways to recycle those plastic water bottles is something we all need to do.  This is a good one cause there's never a time when we don't need more storage. 

SUPER SITE: A NOSTALGIC HALLOWEEN; KRIS DICKINSON

If you're starting to look for spooky stuff,  here's the spot to visit.  Ideas to the max and tons of vintage Halloween images.  Guaranteed scary...guaranteed great.

BTW:  Kris has a huge giveaway for a lucky reader...course in order to be lucky, you have to sign up by September 6.  Do it!

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE: HANDBAG (SUNFLOWERS AND DRAGONFLIES; BETH NORMAN)

How cute is this?  All sorts of options with this one.  Go hog-wild when you select the paper; pressure emboss the paper only if you want.  Then there's fabric...